DOH News Release – Validated EPA air sampling data shows good air quality

Introduction

HONOLULU – Results from validated air sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Lāhainā and Kula in late August are reassuring. The results do not show evidence of poor air quality or any hazardous levels of contaminants in the air at the time the samples were collected.

Air Sampling Results

EPA tested for metals including lead and arsenic, asbestos, particulate matter, and 42 compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOC). No metals or asbestos samples exceeded reference levels, and particulate matter (PM 2.5) was detected at low levels consistent with what is expected for this region of Maui under regular conditions. Three types of VOCs were measured at levels above EPA’s Regional Screening Levels (RSLs).

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are a class of chemicals that are released into the air after wildfires and are found in many household products which evaporate easily. The three VOCs measured at elevated levels are benzene, naphthalene, and carbon tetrachloride. They are commonly present in urban areas at the levels that were detected in these samples. Because the VOCs can be caused by human activity and occur naturally, it’s difficult to determine if their presence is due to the wildfire.

• Benzene is a chemical that is commonly found in the environment as a result of industrial processes. It can also be found in the environment as a result of motor vehicle exhaust and burning coal and oil. Two of eight samples in Lāhainā and two of two samples in Kula were higher than the reference level for benzene; however, the levels detected are below levels expected in suburban and rural air.
• Naphthalene is a combustion byproduct found in the emissions of fires and cigarette smoke, as well as vehicle exhaust and industrial sources. Most of the testing sites in Lāhainā and Kula showed levels of naphthalene above the reference value. Given the air sampling locations and the wildfire event, these levels of naphthalene are not expected to persist in the environment and should diminish as the cleanup of the site continues. Although levels found are higher than a baseline amount for cities, they are expected to dissipate quickly so should not result in long-term exposure. Levels are much lower than those known to cause acute health problems.
• Carbon tetrachloride is a manufactured chemical that does not occur naturally. It is commonly found in air, water, and soil because of past and present releases. One sample in Lāhainā and one sample in Kula were found to be above the reference level. However, the levels detected in Lāhainā and Kula were below background levels expected in cities.

Implications and Recommendations

RSLs can tell public health officials if contamination at a site needs further investigation. RSLs are protective levels and are designed with a margin of safety. Short-term exceedances do not pose an immediate risk to people’s health. Levels above the RSLs do not mean exposure will necessarily result in health effects.

The purpose of air sampling is to measure how much of a specific contaminant is present in the air over a period of time. Laboratory analysis for different contaminants is done with different methods and some contaminants take longer to show results than others.

To view the validated U.S. EPA air sampling data, click on the links below:

1. Link 1
2. Link 2
3. Link 3
4. Link 4

Statement from State Health Director

“These air sampling results are reassuring that the air quality is good, and they help validate the utility of continuous air monitoring for particulate matter,” said State Health Director Dr. Kenneth S. Fink. “It’s important to remember that air monitoring is indicative of the ambient air quality, and cleanup activities could cause hazardous dust and ash to become airborne. When in the impacted area where exposure risk is high, people should wear a well-fitting N95 or higher rated mask and other personal protective equipment. Precautions should also continue to be taken in nearby areas should ash get disturbed from high winds, re-entry associated activities, and debris removal and potentially spread beyond the impacted area.”

Importance of PM 2.5 Monitoring

PM 2.5 is particulate matter that is 0.0025 millimeters and smaller in size (about 30 times smaller than a human hair) that can be a component of ash, dust

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses air quality and the presence of contaminants in the air, which directly relates to the goal of ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3). It also mentions the impact of wildfires on air quality and the need for cleanup activities, which is connected to creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Additionally, the article highlights the role of air monitoring in assessing the impact of wildfires, which aligns with the goal of taking climate action (SDG 13).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article addresses the target of reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution and contamination caused by hazardous chemicals (SDG 3.9). It also highlights the importance of paying attention to air quality in cities and managing waste effectively (SDG 11.6). Furthermore, it emphasizes the need to integrate climate change measures into policies and planning (SDG 13.2).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Presence of hazardous levels of contaminants in the air
• Exceedance of reference levels for metals, asbestos, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Levels of benzene, naphthalene, and carbon tetrachloride in the air
• PM 2.5 levels as an indicator for contaminant monitoring
• Installation of real-time air monitors

These indicators can be used to assess the impact of air pollution and contamination on public health, evaluate the effectiveness of waste management and cleanup activities, and monitor progress in integrating climate change measures.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: governor.hawaii.gov

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